Between the Trains

Two trains are on a head on collision course. The trains are currently 65 miles apart. The north bound train is traveling at 55 miles per hour and the south bound train is traveling at 80 miles per hour. What is the distance between the trains two minutes before they collide?

Answer

If the trains are moving toward each other we combine their speeds to give us their speed basis. So: 55+80=135mph. Divide this speed by 60 minutes to give the speed they are traveling each minute=2.25 miles/minute. Therefore: 2 minutes before impact they are 4.5 miles apart.Hide